2007 Reality TV Winter Preview: Coming soon to a TV near you

By Christopher Rocchio, 12/27/2006

With the new year comes several new reality shows, as well as the return of some favorites. The following is Reality TV World's 2007 Reality TV Winter Preview, highlighting all of the shows that will be premiering in coming weeks as well as where and when to tune in.

High Maintenance 90210 (premieres Monday, Jan. 1 at 11PM ET/PT on E!)Ever wonder what it would be like to wait hand and foot on the super wealthy and overly pushy residents of Beverly Hills? Probably not, but in this six-episode series premiering on E!, viewers will see the work environments of those employed as domestic help for some of California's richest people.

Beauty and the Geek 3 (premieres Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 8PM ET/PT on The CW)Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg's twisted spin on a tale as old as time returns, as eight beautiful but intellectually weak girls are paired with eight super smart but socially awkward guys. The teams will compete in a series of challenges to claim the top prize of $250,000, and there's no doubt the models and math wizards will learn a little something about the pitfalls of being judgemental as well.

Grease: You're the One That I Want (premieres Sunday, Jan. 7 at 8PM ET/PT on NBC)Those winter chills you feel will be mutliplyin' if you're a fan of Rydell High as two leads for the new Broadway production of Grease will be picked in this talent competition. With America having the opportunity to chose the best Danny and Sandy for the production's June opening, here's hoping the new leads go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong.

The Apprentice 6 (premieres Sunday, Jan. 7 at 9:30PM ET/PT on NBC)Eighteen new candidates hope to not be fired in the sixth edition of this reality competition, which will also provide those contestants who excel in challenges to live like "The Donald" and reside in a luxury mansion in Los Angeles. Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and several previous Apprentice winners will serve as advisors and to aid the real-estate mogul in his decision on which contestant deserves a spot in his organization.

The Surreal Life: Fame Game (premieres Sunday, Jan. 7 at 9PM ET/PT on VH1)In an all-star version of this celebrity reality series, former contestants will participate in tongue-in-cheek competitions that parody Hollywood life for a chance to win $100,000 while living in Las Vegas. With one of the competitions being who has the most Google search results for their name, some of the contestants may wish they just stayed home.

I'm From Rolling Stone (premieres Sunday, Jan. 7 at 10PM ET/PT on MTV)A press pass from Rolling Stone can get you into some of the hottest events of the year, and in this new reality series, six aspiring writers will compete for the chance to become the new contributing editor at the famed magazine. From interviewing Ghostface Killah to attending Lollapalooza, the contestants will be given a wide-range of writing assignments with the hope that their byline may one day appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Shooting Sizemore (premieres Sunday, Jan. 7 at 10:30PM ET/PT on VH1)From working with Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone and Ridley Scott, to methamphetamine and heroin addiction, to bankruptcy, to rehab. Watch as Tom Sizemore tries to put his legal and drug woes behind him while this VH1 series mixes in past footage of the Saving Private Ryan star filming himself on drugs. Should make a great public-service announcement.

I Love New York (premieres Monday, Jan. 8 at 9PM ET/PT on VH1)If you were one of the several people who felt bad for New York after she was rejected by Flavor Flav for the second time, this show's for you. With the aid of Flav's once potential mother-in-law, New York will test 20 men on everything from physical strength to earning ability in an effort to have her heart won. Good Luck.

ego trip's White Rapper Show (premieres Monday, Jan. 8 at 10:30PM ET/PT on VH1)Finding the next great white rapper is not an easy task to undertake, but that's what this new series is trying to accomplish, as twelve contestants from all over the country will hunker down in the South Bronx and learn firsthand that hip-hop is all about survival. Hopefully the winner will be more Eminem and less Vanilla Ice.

Gay, Straight or Taken? (premieres Monday, Jan. 8 at 8PM ET/PT on Lifetime)It's a question that every single woman of the 21st century faces, and this series looks to make finding an answer a bit easier. In each episode, one woman will go on a series of dates with three men and has to correctly identify who is gay, straight or taken. Keep score at home, this could get confusing.

Armed & Famous (premieres Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 8PM ET/PT on CBS)Five D-list celebrities are issued guns and badges and are then allowed to patrol the streets on Muncie, IN as reserve police officers. People of Muncie take cover.

The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, Season 2 (premieres Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 10PM ET/PT on Oxygen)Officially out of Tyra Banks' slim shadow, Janice Dickinson returns to see if her modeling agency has what it takes to succeed as well as to take a closer look at all things modeling. Who better to give viewers a glimpse into the world of runways and pumps than the woman who claims to have coined the term "supermodel" back in the 1970s?

Rob & Amber: Against the Odds (premieres Thursday, Jan. 11 at 8PM ET/PT on Fox Reality)Reality television's Romeo and Juliet are back starring in their own series, which follows Rob Mariano as he takes Amber's the couple's winnings from Survivor: All Stars and The Amazing Race 7 and uses it to become a professional poker player. Viewers will have to wait and see if Amber calls his bluff or decides to let him go all in.

Nashville Star 5 (premieres Thursday, Jan. 11 at 10PM ET/PT on USA)USA Network's American Idol-like country music competition is back for a fifth season. This year, Grammy-winning singer Jewel will follow in the footsteps of Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and Nancy O'Dell and do her best Ryan Seacrest impression. Where's Brian Dunkleman when you need him?

My Super Sweet 16, Season 4 (premieres Monday, Jan. 15 at 9PM ET/PT on MTV)These teenagers know how to throw a party, especially when its' their own coming-of-age celebration. Follow the ups and downs as teens and their families throw a blow-out birthday bash rather than take the traditional route of blowing out the 16 candles on a cake.

The Hills, Season 2 (premieres Monday, Jan. 15 at 10PM ET/PT on MTV)It's a new year in La-La Land for Laura and her friends as they learn what it's like to be women in the big city. Vegas has yet to place odds on whether their biggest challenges will come from work and school or the boys they date.

Dancelife (premieres Monday, Jan. 15 at 10:30PM ET/PT on MTV)Who better to executive produce a series about real-life dancers working to make it in Hollywood than Jennifer Lopez, a former "Fly Girl" turned actress and singer? However unlike Lopez' own ascension to stardom, the contestants will not have to endure a fling with Ben Affleck.

The Real Housewives of Orange County, Season 2 (premieres Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 10PM ET/PT on Bravo)Picking up where it left off last year, the second season of this docu-soap reality series will continue to follow the lives of wealthy housewives who live in a gated community in Southern California. Let's just say there should be more drama than what your average housewife is used to.

American Idol 6 (premieres Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 8PM ET/PT on Fox)Reality television's King Kong is back, and producers recently announced the upcoming season will feature a big event midway through. As if viewers needed another reason to watch.

American Chopper, Season 4 (premieres Thursday, Jan. 18 at 9PM ET/PT on TLC)Gear-heads can rev their engines as the fourth season of American Chopper returns, moving to TLC from its sister network Discovery Channel. The series about Paul Teutel Sr. and his two sons running Orange County Choppers is one of the driving forces behind TLC's new "Turbo" block, comprised of other motorized content such as Overhaulin' (premieres Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7PM ET/PT), American Hot Rod (premieres Thursday, Jan. 25 at 8PM ET/PT) and Biker Build-off (premieres Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10PM ET/PT).

Engaged and Underage (premieres Monday, Jan. 22 at 9:30PM ET/PT on MTV)Follow the married lives of couples who aren't even old enough to drink yet and must find other creative ways to deal with the stress of tying the knot.

Road Rules 14 (premieres Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 9PM ET/PT on MTV)Did you ever think you'd make a better Road Rules contestant than some former participants? Now's your chance to prove it. Off the air since 2004, the show's newest installment allowed fans on MTV.com to pick their six favorite Road Rulers for the series. After each episode airs, viewers will then vote for the two weakest contestants to watch them square-off in an elimination challenge on MTV Overdrive. Those at home can also nominate potential challengers from an Internet message board to replace the loser. Now that's reality television.

Two-A-Days, Season 2 (premieres Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 10PM ET/PT on MTV)Hoover High School's football team is in search of its fifth-straight Alabama state championship as the second season of this series begins, which will also feature some returning players from last year. Think of it as Friday Night Lights with real hitting.

Top Design (premieres Wednesday, Jan. 31 at10PM ET/PT on Bravo)Apparently the world of interior design can be exciting, as this new reality competition series takes viewers behind the scenes of the creative business. Twelve aspiring interior designers will vie for cash to start their own firm and also for a spot in one of New York's finest designer showcases. It should at least give you some ideas about what to do with that extra bedroom that's been doubling as a walk in closet.

Juvies (premieres Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10PM ET/PT on MTV)MTV might be trying to scare its viewers straight with this new series, which follows several first-time offenders as they navigate daily life in Indiana's Lake County Juvenile Center. If nothing else it should foster a greater appreciation for high-school cafeteria food across the country.

And coming later in early 2007:

Survivor: Fiji (coming late winter on CBS)The castaways will now have two hidden immunity idols to wrack their brains searching for while stranded on Exile Island in the 14th installment of this reality television classic, which will take place in Fiji. Jeff Probst said contestants will be forced to battle each other more fiercely than ever before, a comment that's pretty easy for him to make given he's not the one doing the competing.

The Amazing Race: All-Stars (coming late winter on CBS)An all-star edition or not an all-star edition? That had been the question until CBS confirmed last month that the series' 11th installment would feature contestants from previous seasons. If you saw Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich running through your your local airport during the last month or so, now you'll know why.

Dancing with the Stars 4 (coming March 2007 on ABC)The ratings juggernaut will return for a fourth season, but will it air against American Idol? ABC has yet to announce that decision, but fans can still dance around their living rooms in celebration of the show's quick return following its recently concluded third season.

America's Next Top Model, Cycle 8 (coming March 2007 on The CW)Beautiful models will once again compete for the affection of Tyra Banks and her fellow judges on the eighth installment of this series. You might want to wear protection while watching -- these girls can be catty, and Tyra can have the biggest claws of them all.

The Bachelor 10(coming March 2007 on ABC)What girl wouldn't want to date a 1995 ESPN Scholar Athlete of the Year, class valedictorian, Duke University graduate, undersea medical officer and triathlon competitor all rolled into one? That's the type of guy the lucky ladies on this series' 10th season will try to sink their paws into. Oh by the way, did we mention he's stationed in Hawaii?